Managed to hit all three camps during a 36-hour window late in the week and, combined with previous visits, came away with the following thoughts.

(OK, I have even more thoughts than are listed here. Many more. But let’s start with these.)

* He may not have the answers, but give Cal Coach Jeff Tedford credit for trying to find them.

I’m convinced Tedford was completely baffled by the lopsided losses in ’09, and his offseason search for solutions resulted in the well-documented emphasis on competition.

His latest move — using first- and second-team players as the “scout teams” (instead of redshirts) — could provide the Bears with a real boost in preparation, especially when facing the Pac-10’s fastest offenses and defenses.

Then again, it’s also possible that the blowout losses are the result of a systemic or cultural problem deep within the program and cannot be fixed in a single offseason.

* Interesting that the position of intense scrutiny at Stanford (tailback) ended up playing out in fairly routine fashion, with Jeremy Stewart and Stepfan Taylor as the top two … but several other positions generated depth-chart surprises.

* No problem here with SJSU naming Jordan La Secla as its starting QB; it’s hard to go wrong with the senior when the competition is as close as it was.

But a solid case could be made for transfer Matt Faulkner, whose style — based on what I saw in scrimmages and practice — looks to be more high-risk, high-reward than the steady La Secla.

And given that Faulkner has two years of eligibility left, as opposed to one for La Secla, I’d say Coach Mike MacIntyre should have a fairly quick hook.

* Aside from the Big Four (Kevin Riley, Shane Vereen, Marvin Jones and Mike Mohamed), Cal’s season hinges on the play of:

Keenan Allen or Jeremy Ross, because a second option at receiver is essential to a healthy passing game … Darian Hagan, because a return to his 2008 form would cover up so many holes elsewhere … Mychal Kendricks, because the Bears need a playmaker off the edge.

* Continuing that theme with Stanford …

Aside from the Big Four (Andrew Luck, Chris Owusu, Shayne Skov and Delano Howell), a successful season depends largely on:

Tom Keiser/Chase Thomas making a effective transition to outside linebacker … First-year safety Michael Thomas making plays in the middle of the secondary … Nate Whitaker converting more than 6 of 11 field goals from 40+.

(Why Whitaker? Because you know there will be a handful of close games that make all the difference, for better or worse. How different would ’09 have been if Whitaker had made that 36-yarder at Arizona early in the fourth quarter? The Cardinal wouldn’t have been forced to go for the end zone from the 17 on its final drive.

(By the way: That was Whitaker’s only miss inside 40 yards all season.)

Tight end Ryan Otten, because the Spartans need a place to go on third-and-six … Right tackle Andres Vargas, because it would help immensely if they don’t have to worry about pass pressure coming from both sides … Brandon Driver, because a lock-down cornerback would solve so many problems (and Driver has the talent to be a lock-down CB).

* Stanford’s tight ends caught a total of 38 passes for four touchdowns last season. The Hotline expects the reception total to increase by 50 percent and the touchdown total to double this fall.

Yards are yards, and it seems like Jim Harbaugh may rely on that unit, as much as his running backs and receivers, to offset the loss of Toby Gerhart.

* I couldn’t help but notice that Brock Mansion is Cal’s No. 3 quarterback behind Riley and Beau Sweeney. As of now, Mansion stands as a major recruiting “miss” at the most important position — and not Tedford’s first, I’d add.

* And while we’re at it: The JC linebacker recruits from ’09 (Jerome Meadows, Jarred Price and Ryan Davis) sure haven’t panned out. Price and Davis are backups on the post-camp two deep; Meadows isn’t even listed.

* I’ve alluded to this before but it’s worth repeating: The key to San Jose State’s season –and by that I mean: the key to improving on last year’s 2-10 mark — is the health of the offensive line.

If the veteran units stays intact through the rugged first half, the Spartans have a chance to win a few games late and build momentum for next season.

But if the OL crumbles — and starting tackle Fred Koloto is already hurt — then the Spartans have zero chance. Seven of the eight backups listed on the post-camp depth chart are in their first year of major college football.

* From the can’t help-but-wonder department:

What, if any, contributions will Stanford receive from second-year wideouts Jemari Roberts, Drew Terrell and Jamal-Rashad Patterson, who arrived with so much fanfare a year ago.

Of the 27 players who signed LOIs in February, 15 are on the depth chart.

* With so much focus placed on Cal’s receivers and Kevin Riley, it’s easy to forget the significance of the play up front.

You don’t hear Cal’s offensive line mentioned as being one of the Pac-10’s best, but it could be. In fact, I can’t remember when the Bears had so few questions/unknowns from tackle to tackle — at least, that should be the case when Matt Summers-Gavin (bruised knee) returns to full speed.

Jon Wilner

Post navigation

Cal’s o-line plays big, Riley will do well. He’s not perfect but hasn’t had a decent/consistent line in two years.

The Axe will stay in Berkeley. Go Bears!

mk92

“As of now, Mansion stands as a major recruiting “miss” at the most important position — and not Tedford’s first, I’d add.”

Perhaps it wasn’t a recruiting miss.

dave

yes, “possibly not a recruiting miss”….the qb guru is NOT a qb guru………..

FarmBeliever

I’m a tad nervous that there wasn’t any real buzz out of camp this year in the RB position. The media lockout surely helped, but that there’s no discernible narrative around the running game makes me think it did not shine.

Loukus winning the backup spot doesn’t surprise me. Admittedly, I know little of the freshmen he beat, but whatever his flaws were, I felt like he was a competitor in 2008 and brought more leadership and a winning attitude to the field when he was in the game.

When did Delano Howell gain admission to this mythical “Big Four?” Solid player, no doubt, but I’m not sure I’d list him with the other three.

Ranger John

Hey Jon,
With the likes of #1 (Alabama), #12 (Wisconsin), #3 (Boise State), #18 (Utah),and then FSU and UNR, does that make San Jose St playing about the toughest schedule in the country?

Red Cougar

SJSU definitely has one of the toughest schedules…and it will probably show on their season’s final W-L record. No matter, I am hopeful for them to double last year’s win total (I am a long time Spartan fan – 4 wins is not a complete disaster).

cfn_ms

no. SJ St also has Cal Poly, Idaho, Utah St, Hawaii, NM St and LA Tech. Above average schedule for a WAC team, but overall somewhere around average nationwide I’d think. I’d say anywhere between #40 and #80 is a reasonable guess (Phil Steele had them at 43 I believe).

Bixby23

After last season, with a new HC/staff/system, and near zero depth, 4 wins would be cause for dancing in the streets, except that in SJ you can get shot for that sort of behavior, so probably safer to offer polite applause.

MostWantedSpartan

Last year expectations were high because the team was senior laden and they ended up 2-10. This year expectations are low (to say the least) because the players are young. Wouldn’t it be ironic if SJ had a break out season? Thanks to ESPN 3 we’ll be able to watch SJ at Alabama. The game is probably going to look a lot like a high school vs. a pro team. It’s pretty neat that SJ is playing the #1 ranked team in the country. The disparity in college football will be on display. Let’s get ready to rumble. Show ’em who you are Spartans. We love ya!

SPARTAN FAN

We’re traveling to Tuscaloosa to witness the spectacle first-hand this weekend. 102K in one place is a must see. The SJSU box office said we have a couple of thousand Sparta fans making the trip. Hoping for a good game but it’s a giant mountain to climb. Either way it will be fun to be a part of.

Grrrrrah

I’m sure that Stanford and San Jose State have had a recruit or two who didn’t play as expected…where is mention of them?

Besides, the fact that Mansion has fallen to #3 is more reflective of the fact that Riley and Sweeney are even better than Mansion, so perhaps instead of one “recruiting miss,” there are really three REALLY good QBs to call upon.

Just sayin’.

You can always be counted on for the backhanded compliment or all-out slam, Wilner. Such an objective reporter are you!

Rob McAndrew

At least the three JC Linebacker recruits are all on track to graduate from the University of California. IF they went to a school like SJSU they might have played more, but JC transfers have to seriously look at academics. IF they were really good out of high school, they would have had scholarships. Kudos to UC Berkeley for giving JC transfers a chance; same goes for SJSU.
As a military veteran who had to go to a JC when I got out of the service, I have to say Thankyou to SJSU for accepting my transfer. I will always root for the downfall of Stanfurd because of their admission standards. GO BEARS, GO SPARTANS!

OT

The “spread” for the San Jose State at Alabama game is around 38-40 points, with the over/under at around 53.

That spread has to be a joke. I would be surprised if Alabama were to score less than 40 by HALF TIME.

Kerr

We’re traveling to Tuscaloosa to witness the spectacle first-hand this weekend. … The SJSU box office said we have a couple of thousand Sparta fans making the trip.

It’s good to hear that SJSU will be well represented. Regardless of the outcome, please share a trip report when you return home.

SPARTAN FAN

I’ll bring you guys a re-cap when we return. With Penn State the following week at ‘Bama we’ll probably only see Ingram and the A-team for the first quarter or so. We may have a shot at keeping ‘Bama from covering. Although their B-team could probably beat 75% of the BCS schools.

milo

You Furd chaps are a funny bunch and seem to forget JTed recruited Aaron Rodgers.

Keep the Axe in Berkeley!

mk92

milo — how long will you use Rodgers’ success to excuse subsequent mediocrity from Cal QBs? No doubt, Rodgers was great, but so far, he’s been Tedford’s only success at QB…the longer it goes without Tedford producing another top level QB, the more it looks like that was a one-hit wonder for Tedford.

David

$10,000 on Stanford on November 20

milo

mk92…I believe what you’re saying about Tedford and QBs is exactly what they’re saying about Hairball and RBs. I don’t think Hairball will recruit another RB vaguely like Gerhart. Of course Jted has produced how many RBs that have made it to the NFL? Yeah we know how much you lads LOVE Shane Verreen. 🙂

I also wouldn’t love Andy Luck too much because if he applies his Furd edumacation to the real world, he’ll be gone before his senior year…perhaps after this season given the shortage of big time QBs ready for the NFL.

mk92

I wouldn’t brag too much on those Cal RBs in the NFL — given the NFL busts that Arrington and Lynch have become.

Way to duck the question/change the subject, by the way.

mk92

And, by the way, WTF are you talking about Harbaugh and RBs? This is his 4th year as coach — so, there’s simply no evidence (success or failure) regarding Harbaugh and RBs.

milo

Hey MK…that’s so Furd of you to make excuses! BTW, Jimmy Hairball didn’t recruit Gerhart did he? Just goes to show he still hasn’t recruited a decent RB and without one, methinks Mr. Luck is in for a long season of getting knocked on his keister.

Any way I’ll take JTed’s record with college QBs over Hairball’s record with RBs any day.

Being Smart is OK

“I will always root for the downfall of Stanfurd because of their admission standards.” – What? Why would a person cheer against a college team because the school is has high academic standards? Isn’t education the reason that colleges exist? I would love to go to Stanford, but if I didn’t get in, I wouldn’t cheer against them because their student-athletes do both things well. The fact that they’re taking real classes at a tough school while playing sports at a high level is a reason to cheer FOR them.

Les flaw

The best thing about football is anyone could have a bad day…Lets hope that happens to Bama,Wisconsin,Utah, or all 3… I don’t like everyone counting out the Spartans. INCLUDING OUR LOCAL WRITERS! GO SPARTANS! ANY GIVIN SATERDAY!

“I will always root for the downfall of Stanfurd because of their admission standards. GO BEARS, GO SPARTANS!”

LOL – pretty much encapsulates the difference in perception between Stanford and Cal at it’s core.

“I dislike people who hold themselves to a higher standard than the rest of us. How elitist of them to think that athletes should be good students. I want to root for a school that will accept any Joe off the street as long as he can run, jump, and throw better than anyone else. What’s college for? Football fans, of course.”

MoreNCsarecoming

Stanford is a truly elite university. They’re good that way because they have money and aren’t afraid to show it. It’s just like that at USC except for sports. Don’t blame anyone for having wealth.

Go Team Cardinal!

StanTheMan

“And cornerback, where Johnson Bademosi outplayed Corey Gatewood” This should not be a surprise to most Stanford fans. Gatewood is a sieve.

“Mansion stands as a major recruiting “miss” at the most important position — and not Tedford’s first” – you mean like Riley and everyone else the Weenies have recruited at QB since Rodgers?

“Then again, it’s also possible that the blowout losses are the result of a systemic or cultural problem deep within the program and cannot be fixed in a single offseason.” You mean like not having a quality QB for the better part of a decade? You mean like the years of overblown media hype? You mean quality characters like DeSean Jackson and many others who are there for themselves first, second, and third? And 7-1 against the worst Stanford program in decades is what fans hang their hats on? Nah, Tedfurd doesn’t have any systemic problems.

Doesn’t mean Stanford is immune either. Harbaugh’s big mouth is still a double-edged sword, and the AD’s awful decisions on Teevens and Harris as their recruits finally run out of eligibility. And Harbaugh’s endless search for an NFL head coaching job. But I’ll take those over a supposed offensive genius who’s brought in one quality QB in a decade.

And yes, mi-Weenie, he’s 7-1 on the Axe, but if that’s all you can say other than the Golden Flushie then you’ve made my case.

Other than Pete Carroll who has in the last decade? Last time I checked, there hasn’t been a Pac-10 running back at the Downtown Athletic Club since Reggie “Pay Me Now” Bush. And before then it was Marcus Allen – 29 YEARS AGO.

Toby Gerhart is a once-in-a-generation type of player. But when Andrew Luck sits in Gerhart’s chair this year, maybe you will realize that the closest Tedfurd has gotten is Jahvid Best watching the broadcast with an icepack on his head.

Best of luck to the SJSU team. I have every confidence that you will be welcomed warmly in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Enjoy the sites – I’m sure you’ll be amazed at what you see. You won’t play in a bigger, big time college football environment. Play your best and remember the experience.

Roll Tide Roll

milo

Hey StanThe$70,000Can…no need to name call. 🙂

Any way, you’re a dumbass. Since Tedford came to Cal, Cal has produced a steady line of high-powered RBs: Igber, Arrington, Lynch, Forsett, Best and now Vereen…who just so happens DESTROYED you Trees in the ’09 Big Game. And there’s several kids behind him that could start at Stanfurd (Sofele, Yarnway, Johnson).

Yup you guys got once in a generation Gerhart and now who? You guys going to wait another generation? Bahahaha….

Looking forward to watching Shane Vereen in Big Game ’10 at Memorial. There’s a good chance he’ll go off again.

lesliemedford

I predict the Stanford running backs will do quite well this year.

And MiLobotomy, those Cal backs aren’t all that impressive. Gerhart had a 4.0 gpa in high school, and he was a gentleman and scholar AND should have won the Heisman. No one you mention could gain entrance to Stanford and none is the complete package of Collegiate Student-Athlete that Gerhart was.

Gerhart should have stayed and played this year for Stanford, in my opinion. Imagine that!

But still, Stanford’s offense will put up a lot of points this year and the running backs will be part of that. It’s the defense that holds the key to Cardinal success this year. I don’t want to see games coming down to the wire. Our secondary and Harbaugh’s penchant for tactical error at crucial moments make big leads in the fourth quarter of most games necessary for a 9 or 10 victory season. I’m dubious.

Canley Liggins

Bama RB Ingram is out w a knee injury. Bring back the glory! GO SPARTANS!!

milo

Earth to Stanfurd, earth to Stanfurd…Toby Gerhart has left the building, FOREVER. Boy you guys miss him don’t you? I betcha Andy Luck misses him the most however especially when he’s on his butt after defenses key on him.

Mark Ingram’s knee was scoped on Tuesday. He will NOT play against SJSU.

‘Bama has other weapons in its arsenal.

David

Stanford 37
Cal 10

Enraged Cal fans riot after the game, Stanford and their fans have to be escorted to safety by the Berkeley Police and nearly 30 Cal fans are arrested in the riots, milo among them.

milo

David…gee whiz old buddy, you’d think after beating your arch rival you Furds would have the intestinal fortitude to rush the field…just like how Cal fans did in YOUR house last year after a great, great victory. Yeah, that’s right CALIFORNIA HAS THE AXE baby!

Seriously, there’s only going to be 8k of you red-cladded goober since after your renno…that’s all you get. Bad Stanfurd, bad, bad, Stanfurd!

David

And we Stanford fans are bringing our Vuvuzelas to Memorial Stadium. BZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

milo

hahaha…yeah bring your Furd Vuvuselas…you Furds will end up either sitting on the pointy end or down your throats. And FYI, they’re not allowed according to NCAA rules.

mk92

milo — what was your prescient prediction last year regarding Luck? Something to the effect that he would end up on his back because of his lack of mobility? I view your predictions as contra-indicators. The fact that you are again predicting Luck will end up on his back bodes well for the Cardinal.

Keep making excuses for Tedford’s inability to develop QBs and keep trying to make inapt comparisons to Stanford RBs in a pathetic effort to change the subject…it’s serving your argument well.

milo

Hey MK, Aaron Rodgers is doing just fine…way better then Trent Edwards and any clown coming out of Furd in the past 10 year or more. Any way, face it, you Furds just won’t be as good w/o Gerhart.

mk92

One.
Trick.
Pony.

milo

MK, you referring to Gerhart or Edwards?

Any way, I’m thankful Andy Luck had it in him to throw that ginormus INT in last year’s Big Game. Man that was great.